My Pregnancy Journey With Baby #2

Maternity photos by Trisha Rose Photography

PREGNANCY- For some it can be an amazing time filled with excitement, anticipation, and wonder. For others, it may include hesitation and anxiety after months and months of waiting or previous loss. Some Mamas feel their best and are glowing while pregnant, while others may struggle to get through a day while battling nausea, fatigue, and more. There’s a whole  spectrum and each story is so different. 

Although my second pregnancy had a lot of similarities to my first, there were many differences as well. I wanted to document our pregnancy journey with baby #2 for me to look back on and potentially for others to not feel alone if they were going through something similar. 

After months of trying, we made an appointment with the same fertility specialist that helped us become pregnant with B (or first daughter). Much to my surprise, in the days prior to our appointment, we found out we were pregnant with baby #2. I was shocked and in disbelief to see a positive test after so many negative tests that I’d previously thrown in the trash. Further calculations showed that this baby’s due date would be just 2 days before B’s second birthday - what are the odds?

Everything seemed to be going well in the beginning weeks and I had a huge sigh of relief at our first 8 week ultrasound when I could see baby’s heartbeat. Despite extreme morning sickness (that kicked in around week 9 and lasted until about week 20), I was thankful to progress each week with baby continuing to grow. And, thank goodness for a helpful husband who stepped in to make endless mac-n-cheese, bagels with cream cheese, and chase an energetic toddler around while I laid on the couch. 

At 12 weeks, we found out that our baby’s NT (Nuchal Translucency) measurement was just over the threshold. Our ultrasound tech and OB educated us that an enlarged NT at 12 weeks can be a predictor of possible genetic abnormalities or heart defects. Caught off guard, we were advised to see a MFM specialist and elected to get NIPT bloodwork done. The wait for the bloodwork results seemed like the longest two weeks, but when our results came back with low indicators, we thought we were in the clear. At this time, we also found out that we’d be having a baby boy! 

It wasn’t until our MFM appointment that we learned there are actually a variety of other chromosomal abnormalities that the NIPT can’t check for. The NIPT only tests for 4 key chromosome pairs and there are many other possibilities of abnormalities on the other 19 chromosome pairs. Another growth scan showed our baby’s NF (now called a Nuchal Fold at this gestational age) was still over the threshold. After a very emotional conversation with our MFM doctor we were advised to consider an amniocentesis. I thought for sure I would never consider having this procedure done, but after some long hard talks, decided that it would either help bring us closer to necessary resources in preparation of baby’s arrival or help provide peace of mind for the remainder of our pregnancy. The days and weeks leading up to the amnio and results were some of the most emotional and challenging throughout the pregnancy. While I tried to remain positive, there were also endless possibilities of '“what if’s” that filled my brain.

So many prayers were answered when we got our amnio results. There were no indicators of any chromosomal abnormalities and a follow up growth scan indicated that the baby’s Nuchal measurement had decreased and was now within limits. The MFM doctor also felt good enough about what he could see with our baby’s heart that he advised us we no longer needed to get the fetal echocardiogram that we previously scheduled. We were elated and so grateful for all of our family and friends who prayed along side us and supported us during that time. 

Luckily, the remainder of our pregnancy had emotions of excitement and wonder as we anticipated the arrival of our baby boy. By 34 weeks, we learned he had turned head down from a previous breech position and we prepared to meet him. Meanwhile, we did all the nesting activities at home and “Grammy” flew in to be on standby for B when the time came for her baby brother’s arrival. At 39 weeks, I decided to get a membrane sweep at my OB appointment to help induce labor if baby was ready. Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I’ll share baby’s birth story.

A special thanks to Trisha Rose Photography for capturing these maternity photos of me. I’ll cherish them forever!

Steph’s Majestic Mountain Maternity Session

How great is it to have close friends that you get to go through life with? Steph has become a best friend to me over the past couple of years - thanks to our husbands who used to work together. From concerts, to sporting events, traveling, and now motherhood, it’s been the best to get to go through this season of life with her. At just about two months apart, our daughters are built in besties too!  Although the Clemenshaw’s live in Flagstaff now, we enjoy every time that we are able to see them. 

The Clemenshaw’s are welcoming a second daughter to their family in November and I can NOT wait to snuggle her when she arrives (and find out her name)! Steph and Khyl have already picked a name for baby girl #2, but do such a great job at keeping it a secret until her arrival. Can we also talk about how cute Sloane is too? She is always so happy and playful, and has the most beautiful eyes! I know that she is going to be the best big sister. 

Steph chose the dreamiest location for her maternity photos. The dry grass and mountain backdrops were majestic. Everything about this session was perfection, and just when I thought the next photos couldn’t get any better, they did! Steph’s flowy soft pink dress was gorgeous and a beautiful way to celebrate her daughters. Steph and Khyl were naturals in front of the camera and even came up with some of their own pose ideas. Their session was stunning, and if you look closely you’ll notice the cutest heart shaped cactus behind Sloane & Steph in one of their photos (totally unplanned). 

Steph and Khyl, we love doing life with your sweet family. We are so grateful to share this journey with you and build some incredible memories together. I hope that when you look back on these photos, you remember these endearing moments of your growing family. Thank you for trusting me to capture such a special time in your lives. 

Tania’s Desert Family Maternity Session

I wish you all could have been with me on my session with Tania and her family to see how cute the 3 of them were together. Tania, her husband Rudy, and daughter Sophia were like 3 peas in a pod (that’s a thing right?!?!). They were in town visiting Phoenix from Minnesota. Despite the summer heat, Tania didn’t seem bothered one bit and was in awe of all the cacti and beautiful mountains that surrounded us. It was so cute watching Sophia “trek” up the mountain and find little coves in the rocks to call her clubhouse. She was also a little pose guru, creating some fun ideas for her time in front of the camera. When it came time for Mom to slip on her blue dress, Sophia was the best helper. I also loved how sweet Rudy was, telling Tania how beautiful she looked! And man, was he right - this Mama was glowing!

Tania and her family will welcome a baby boy into their family next month. Congratulations Diaz family! I’m so honored to have been able to capture this special moment for you and I’m sure that Sophia is going to be the best big sister to her new baby brother.

A Golden Hour Maternity Session

It felt like such a long break during the first couple of months of COVID-19 and not being behind the camera. I was finding myself snapping photos of home decor, and turning everyday tasks, like picking lemons off the tree in our backyard, into photoshoots with my daughter.

When I finally got the chance to get back behind the lens, I was fortunate enough to photograph Lauren’s maternity session. Let me tell you, it filled my heart up to be snapping the shutter again. We were able to safely keep a distance while outside (I used my 85 mm lens so that I could stay further away), and I rocked my newest style accessory - my mask! We even got lucky that the weather was a bit cooler than normal for a typical June evening in Arizona and there was a perfect breeze to catch her dress and give her hair all the Beyonce vibes. Between her gorgeous bump and the beautiful golden hour light, this Mama was GLOWING!

Lauren is expecting her third daughter this month. She was sure her newest addition would be a boy, and even had a name picked out, but more pink is in her future. Baby Everleigh is so lucky to have such a wonderful and beautiful Mama, Lauren.

Photography: Jynelle Hatch Photography

White Boho Lace Dress with Sleeves: Reclamation

Makeup: Leah Cayzer, First Blush Beauty

A special thanks to Just For Fun Shootouts and Martha Felix for coordinating this shootout.